The Impact of Urbanization on Mental Health

People are rushing towards urban because they are not able to fulfil their needs in native places. Cities are flooded with plenty of opportunities to live, learn, explore, employment, and entertainment that make the urban areas more attractive. Urbanization refers to the process by which cities expand, attracting increasingly larger portions of the population to reside within them. Many researches have shown that people who live in urban undergo mental health issues than suburban and rural areas. Let’s discuss that in this article. 

Read More: Urban Lifestyle and Mental Health: Probing the Depths of Psychological Impact

Impact Of Urbanization On Mental Health 

1. Vulnerable To Mental Disorders

Living in a world where the sounds of sirens and car horns instead of the songs of birds, life may be filled with energy but it is also ground for anxiety and stress. Research has observed that urban residents show a 21% higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety disorders and a 39% higher likelihood of mood disorders compared to rural residents. A meta-analysis from 2017 also indicated elevated rates of PTSD, anger management issues and generalized anxiety disorder among those living in urban environments. These researches give evidence that people who are living in urban have a high risk for mental health disorders.  

2. Lost In The City

Imagine leaving behind the comfort and security of a close-knit community, only to find yourself in the city. Research suggests that urbanization often leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation as it disrupts close-knit community bonds, leaving individuals confused. People in cities often adopt various values and beliefs without clear guidance on their validity. The competitive and conflicting nature of urban life can marginalize individuals who display any sign of weakness. When people move out of their comfort zone and head to urban areas have feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability accompanied by some insecurities involving personal insecurities, social insecurities, and psychological insecurities.  

3. Competitive World

Living in a world feels like a high-stakes competition like constantly fighting for the first position. The urban lifestyle is characterized by intense and widespread competition,  whether for employment, business contracts, customers, social status, or even simple amenities like cinema tickets. When we don’t meet our expectations, it is natural to feel like we have failed. Individuals who do not succeed in those competitions often blame themselves, leading to feelings of inferiority or frustration. Furthermore, the relentless competition places significant mental strain on individuals.

4. Tension

Imagine living in a world where every day feels like a running competition. People are constantly fighting for the first position whether for the job, getting into university, even for movie tickets or running errands. The pressure to succeed was peaked, it is easy to feel like we are not enough for this life. When we constantly put ourselves in competition and conflict against others, we may perceive ourselves as not meeting our expectations. We begin to doubt our abilities and have a fear of failure. This battle can affect our mental health, leaving us feeling anxious, stressed, and exhausted. 

5. Disturbed Sleep

Imagine being a night owl is easy for predators not for humans. Traffic sounds and lights making impossible to sleep. It is not only you. Research shows that the noise and bright lights of urban areas can cause chaos in our sleep and lead to stress, anxiety, and long-term health problems like cardiovascular disease and sleep disorders. There is nothing to amaze that urban dwellers have struggled to get sleep and other sleep disorders.

Stanford  University survey found that nearly 1 in 10 city residents get less than six hours of sleep per night, and almost a third are unhappy with their sleep quality. This is not a matter of getting tired, it is a matter of our overall wellbeing. Disturbed sleep and inadequate sleep result in irritation, less focus, and an inability to cope with the stress of daily life. 

Positive Aspects Of Urbanization On Mental Health

1. Sense of Purpose: Urban areas provide many opportunities for employment and success compared to suburban and rural areas. Most of the youngsters undergo existential crisis and unemployment frustration. Urban provides plenty of chances for employment and provides a sense of purpose and achievement. But when everybody moves to cities,  population density increases and so does the lack of employment.  
2. Access to Mental Health Centres: Imagine feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life, struggling to find peace. Urban areas typically have access to mental health centres as well as physical healthcare facilities which make diagnosing and treatments quite easier. 
3. Cultural Diversity: Cities foster diverse communities, promoting exposure to different perspectives and experiences. Having friends across the border helps to learn more about other cultures, food, accents, rituals, and so on. This kind of learning boosts mental health and promotes a sense of connectivity.
4. Access to Physical Fitness: Many cities invest in parks and green spaces, offering escapes from city life, and also have access to gyms, aerobics, and other classes. Physical health and exercise also contribute to mental health. 
5. Opportunity to Learn: Urban areas have easy access to good schools, colleges, and Universities. Students can improve their knowledge and have sources to pass on to the next stage of life with skills.  And also have access to other classes apart from studies so they can develop a sense of purposefulness and have the chance to explore their abilities.

Read More: How Can Caste Diversity Impact Mental Health?

Coping Strategies To Maintain Mental Health In Urban

• Spend Time In Green Space: Living in the sound horn and pollution needs changes with warm sunshine, songs of birds, and a gentle breeze to melt away the stresses of everyday life. Spending time in green spaces, our minds and hearts get a chance to relax, recharge, and rediscover joy. Even little moments with the mother of nature can help refresh our minds and spirits. Gardening also helps to elevate mental health. Regular gardening at home and engaging in community gardening can strengthen one’s connection to nature. According to research from 2021, these activities reduced the likelihood of participants experiencing depression. 

• Spending Time For Relaxation: Making time for pure relaxation, without external stimuli such as television, music, or podcasts can be crucial for mental health. Other than this practicing meditation, mindfulness, and yoga can help relax the mind from hustle and bustle. Hanging out with friends and families on weekends. Going on trips either with friends and family or alone gives a refreshing feeling. Give yourself a quality time to restart your competitive life. 

• Physical Activities: Urbanized worlds have a lot of physical health issues including obesity, ulcers, and lack of sleep. Physical activities are beneficial to both mental and physical health. Engaging in physical activities not only reduces stress but also promotes a sense of relaxation, and well-being, reduces anxiety, elevates mood, and promotes sleep patterns. 
• Limit Screen Time: Most of us spend excess time on digital screens and social media, which can lead to addiction, stress, anxiety, depression and so on. Limited screen time can promote relaxation and well-being. And also allows us to think and is helpful to creativity. 
• Seek Mental Health Professional’s Help: If you find any difficulties with living in urban areas as we discussed earlier consult with therapists and counselors who specialize in urban living challenges. This might be helpful to improve mental health. 

Urbanization provides both pros and cons to mental health, cities provide opportunities to diverse people and cultures but also challenges for social connection, while providing green spaces and also make pollution while providing easy access to mental health centres and urban dwellers suffer from mental disorders, while providing options to learn and also create competitions. However, individuals can strive for a balanced and resilient approach to urban living. Consequently, this promotes overall well-being amidst the complexities of city life.

Read More: Impact of Urban Design on Mental Health & Well-being

FAQ s 

1. Is urbanization good for mental health or not? 

Urbanization has an impact on mental health both positively and negatively. People have opportunities and also find it difficult to manage their mental health. It depends upon various factors. Managing potential negative impacts requires proactive measures to create supportive, inclusive, and healthy urban environments for all residents. 

2. Are there specific groups more vulnerable to mental health issues in urban settings? 

Vulnerable groups may include low-income populations, migrants, older people, and those who have limited access to resources and supportive systems. Mainly, more than group individual experience, personalities, and history also play a vital role. 

3. What are some common mental health challenges in urban environments? 

Common challenges include anxiety, depression, loneliness, high levels of stress, and substance abuse. These can be affected by various factors including overcrowding,  competitive work environment, and unhealthy lifestyle. 

4. What are the strategies that can help manage mental health in urban areas? 

Practising mindfulness, regular physical activities, using green space, practising relaxation techniques, meditation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, promoting social connections, and seeking help from mental health professionals are the strategies that can help manage mental health in urban areas.